L69 H.O. Engine Specs
by Vern Hee
The L69 high output (H.O.) engine was designed by General Motors in reaction to a call for more fuel efficient engines in the 1970s. Although demand for engines with better fuel efficiency was high, Chevy's L69 was suited to customers who were also looking for power. Produced from 1983 to 1986, this engine can be found in cars that were marketed for their performance during the mid-198s, including the Camaro and the Monte Carlo.
Engine
The L69 H.O. is a 5.0 liter, small block V-8 that displaces 305 cubic inches. It is rated at 190 horse power with 240 ft-lbs of torque at 3,200 rpm. The overhead valve engine possesses cast iron blocks and heads and is liquid cooled. The L69 has a bore of 3.73 inches, a stroke of 3.48 inches and a compression ratio of 9.5:1. The engine has a four barrel carburetor and a maximum engine speed of 5,500 rpm.
The Camaro
The L69 received much acclaim in the 1983 Camaro Z28. This Camaro had 30 more horsepower then the previous year's model and with a better transmission still achieved decent fuel economy, at an estimated 17 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. The L69 also was also offered in other GM muscle cars, including the Pontiac Trans Am and Firebird.
The Monte Carlo
The L69 engine powered the Monte Carlo SS model. Originally designed as a family luxury car, the Monte Carlo's SS version was more suited to drivers seeking a high-end performance coupe. The Monte Carlo SS was GM's last full frame rear wheel car that was equipped with a carbureted V-8 engine.
References
Writer Bio
Vern Hee started writing professionally in 2009. He works as a reporter for the "Pahrump Valley Times." Hee taught elementary school for eight years and worked in the landscape construction field for 20 years. Hee holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of California Berkeley and is a veteran of the United States Navy.
